Hospitality Experts Come Together to Discuss the Future of the Industry Driven by Technology at HITEC® Dubai 2018
HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle East’s largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, endorsed by Dubai Tourism and co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Naseba, brought together industry experts to present ground-breaking regional and international case studies, thought provoking panel discussions and game-changing technology demonstrations. The two-day expo is being held at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai from 5-6 December with an aim to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking and deal flow amongst hoteliers and hospitality technology providers.
Kicking off the proceedings today at the HITEC Dubai’s global stage was a session on Futuristic Talk moderated by Nicholas Watson, CDO of Naseba. Participating on the panel was HITEC Dubai’s Advisory Council Chairperson Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International; Mahmoud Kamal, CIO, Habtoor Hospitality; Ajay Rathi, Group Sr. Director IT, MERAAS; and Lyle Worthington, Group CIO The Student Hotel.
Nicholas stated, “The future of the hospitality industry in the Middle East, like the rest of the world, is being shaped by unparalleled advances in technology. Hotels are compelled to rethink the hotel design, guest services, experiences and concepts in keeping with the travellers’ expectations. Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain, are all taking the first steps and it is interesting to hear from the experts in the industry on how they are embracing these innovations.”
Commenting on the future of hospitality, Laurent stressed, “Innovations in hotel technologies are, no doubt, opening up new opportunities for optimizing guest experiences and enhancing operational excellence. However, the future of hospitality lies in having the right mix of technology and human touch. It is important to understand the existing ecosystem and adapt the best practices to boost efficiency and competitiveness as well as guest satisfaction. What is required is a structured approach to tap the great potential of technology. Like everything else, it is a two-way process and needs to have a conversation engaging customers to offer a personalized experience that makes travellers’ lives easier, simpler & more convenient.”
Speaking about automation, Mahmoud Kamal, CIO, Habtoor Hospitality, said, “Technology continues to transform the hospitality industry revolutionizing every aspect of the business. Having an integrated network of systems will enable hotels to build and foster the necessary connections for guests in order to cater to their requests and predict their needs. Currently, there is a great deal of work under way related to in-room automation to help bring the smart home concept of integrated and connected solutions into the hotel room.”
For more information or to register for HITEC Dubai 2018
visit https://www.hitec-dubai.com/
Call Amir Abdin on +971 44 55 7920 or Rouf Hyder Beigh +971 44 55 79 32
ABOUT HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is a global non-profit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industry’s problems. HFTP has members and stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the world’s only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality industry.
ABOUT NASEBA
Naseba offers global business facilitation services. The company creates growth opportunities by bringing together people, partners and ideas. It helps clients raise capital, enter new markets, secure partners, close sales and educate workforces. Naseba’s goal is to create opportunity and add economic value at every stage of its client’s journey. It does this through three key areas: investor services, commercial services and leadership services. Since inception in 2002, Naseba has facilitated deals totalling billions of dollars for its clients. The company has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms and is an expert in growth markets.
About Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 150* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-belhotel.com
*Numbers may fluctuate
For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com
Up Your Style with the Coolest Coffee Tables from 2XL Furniture & Home Décor
A coffee table is the focal point of any living room. Add some flair to your décor with a statement piece from 2XL Furniture & Home Décor. You will find at the 2XL stores almost any shape or size in a range of materials to anchor your design scheme. Mix rustic with refined or choose a traditional design for a relaxed, more lived-in look.
Amit Yadav, Head of Marketing at 2XL, said, “A coffee table can instantly lift a living room. What is important is finding the right style and size matching your décor and space. Go minimalist when furniture is heavy or add an exotic accent to elevate a simple setting. Our latest range of center tables are both stylish and functional making them a great choice for anyone looking for something unique.”
A coffee table is not only the center of attention but also the most versatile piece of furniture. Here’s what is no offer at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor: A must-have if you want to inject a dose of drama and loads of character into your design scheme. Round Coffee Table in White and Gold, dimensions, 90x45cm Leg stand: Brass & Iron, Top: Marble Price: AED 1,484
The perfect coffee table for those who love the look of marble. Round Coffee Table in Black and Gold, dimensions: 80x38cm Leg stand: Brass & Iron, Top: Marble Price: AED 1,225 You can top this Ottoman with a tray creating the perfect place to display your favourite accessories or serve refreshments. Cudham Coffee Table, dimensions: 150x150x45, Colour: Light Grey Filling: Foam and Fiber, Inside Frame: Pine wood Price: AED 3,071 Whether you are working with a monochromatic palette or a mix of colours, this table could blend in with any setting with ease. Rosa Dark Green Coffee Table, dimensions: 81×45, Colour: Dark Green in Black & Gold stand Metal & Marble Price: AED 1,083 If you are looking for gold accents than these round coffee tables must get a spot in your living room. Mimosa Set of 2 Side Tables, dimensions: 40x40x42, Colour: White Gold Aluminum & Marble Stone Price: AED 971 For those who tend to be a bit more adventurous with their décor. Hive Coffee Table, dimensions: 50×43.3×25, Color: Light Beige Oak Mahogany Wood Price: AED 1,008 When you want to make the room look spacious, a coffee table with a glass top is the best option. Fay Coffee Table, Dimensions: 140x50x45, Colour: Gold Metal & Glass Price: AED 1,458 For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com About 2XL Furniture & Home Décor UAE based 2XL Furniture & Home Décor is a retailer of luxury home furnishings since 2000. The retailer currently has 9 showrooms across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Al Ain. The 2XL product range includes exclusive bedroom, living and dining room furniture as well as exquisitely crafted décor items, unique gifting ideas, plush rugs and gorgeous wall art, divine bed and bath linen, eye-catching tableware, and a fun, functional kitchenware range. The 2XL range is very classic and French-inspired. Each retail item has been carefully chosen exclusively for 2XL and denotes a lifestyle that is regal, sophisticated and of a finer taste. We have something to suit every home setting – from ornate gold-plated bedroom settings to the more subdued Parisian hues of shabby chic, quirky contemporary inspirations to more ethnic Eastern-inspired décor ideas. For more information or to shop online please visit www.2xlme.com Connect and tag us on @2xlfurniture #2XLfurnitureDubai Tourism Inaugurates HITEC® Dubai 2018
HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle East’s largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, was officially inaugurated today by Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). Co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Naseba, this year’s expo, which is taking place at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai from 5-6 December, is showcasing a wide range of innovative solutions from the world’s leading hospitality technology providers.
Travel technology has grown rapidly over the last decade leading to drastic transformation and disruption in all aspects of the industry. HITEC Dubai demonstrates this success with a window to the latest trends shaping the hospitality industry.
Frank Wolfe CAE, CEO of HFTP, said, “The growth and scale of HITEC Dubai is testament to the buoyant hospitality industry in the Middle East. Our core aim is to gather hospitality and technology leaders to share their success stories and tackle common challenges. For the first time we will debut in Dubai, HFTP’s expanding Entrepreneur20X (E20X) competition that is a unique opportunity for startups to present their breakthrough business concepts to the industry. Taking centre-stage at the show will be a Promobot, an intelligent humanoid robot. We will also feature ground-breaking regional and international case studies, thought provoking panel discussions and technology demonstrations from the world’s top service providers and revolutionary thinkers.”
HITEC Dubai’s Advisory Council Chairperson Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “HITEC Dubai promises to be stellar show. Technology is in our everyday life with smart homes and hotels need to keep pace with the latest developments in order to meet the expectations of modern travellers. As our industry expands in an increasingly competitive market it is essential to integrate technology to enhance the guest experience with greater efficiency. Internet of Things, Cloud Technology, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, etc are all paving the way for the future of technology in the hospitality sector and HITEC Dubai will be a great platform to see what lies ahead.”
For more information or to register for HITEC Dubai 2018
visit https://www.hitec-dubai.com/
Call Amir Abdin on +971 44 55 7920 or Rouf Hyder Beigh +971 44 55 79 32
ABOUT HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is a global non-profit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industry’s problems. HFTP has members and stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the world’s only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality industry.
ABOUT NASEBA
Naseba offers global business facilitation services. The company creates growth opportunities by bringing together people, partners and ideas. It helps clients raise capital, enter new markets, secure partners, close sales and educate workforces. Naseba’s goal is to create opportunity and add economic value at every stage of its client’s journey. It does this through three key areas: investor services, commercial services and leadership services. Since inception in 2002, Naseba has facilitated deals totalling billions of dollars for its clients. The company has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms and is an expert in growth markets.
About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)
With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism’s mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate. Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector, and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Business Events, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.
For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com
Swiss-Belhotel International Participates at the Global Solar Leaders’ Summit
Dubai – Devinder K. Sharma, Regional Director of Technical Services, Swiss-Belhotel International, participated in a panel of experts on BIPV at the Big 5 Global Solar Leaders’ Summit. The topic discussion was ‘Innovation in Solar Building Skins and Energy Efficiency towards Sustainable Cities’.
Renewable energy is a global phenomenon and the adoption of solar PV systems in the Middle East is starting to accelerate which will soon lead to a more diversified national energy supply portfolio. Devinder said, “We are seeing massive investments in renewable energy projects in the region with a wave of projects underway and the UAE is leading the way.”
Talking about the hotel industry, Devinder highlighted the need for development of innovative design concepts for achieving energy efficiency in hotel buildings. He stressed, “Key issue is the collaboration among the various stakeholders of the building design and construction process, such as building owners, developers, architects, building material suppliers, regulatory authorities and specialized PV/BIPV industry experts. Increasing awareness among all people involved can lead to significant benefits for our sector. Therefore, it is important to start a dialogue, so we can all collaborate for a better future.”
There are multiple factors that are driving solar energy solutions in the urban sector. Industry experts agreed that in order to prepare for an urban influx of 2.5 billion people by 2050, it is critical to create cities that are low-carbon, resilient and affordable. Solar energy solutions are greener and cheaper than the alternatives.
According to recent reports, the UAE is among the world’s top investors in clean energy and is set to invest AED 600 billion by 2050 in the sector with a target to have 75 per cent of the total power output from it. Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park has announced plans to build one of the world’s largest solar energy plants, which will be able to generate 5GW of power by 2030.
For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com
About Swiss-Belhotel International Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 150* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
*Numbers may fluctuate
For further information visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com
Japan’s Most Famous Restaurant ‘Fujiya’ is Now Open at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
The Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai has announced the opening of one of Japan’s most acclaimed restaurants ‘Fujiya’. The outlet will provide an authentic Japanese izakaya-style dining experience from Japan. Available on the menu are a range of iconic traditional and modern dishes from the country ranging from Japanese tapas to Wagyu shabu shabu (hotpot) buffet, Yakitori (Japanese style chicken skewers) and much more. The dishes are complemented by an array of beverages including rare sake, yuzu and shiso.
Akio Hayakawa, Director of Fujiya Restaurant Dubai, said, “We are delighted to open our first restaurant in Dubai at the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. We welcome everyone to check out our latest offers and experience the most authentic Japanese izakaya style dining in town.”
Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “We are very proud to add another speciality restaurant to our superb portfolio of dining venues. We are confident Fujiya Restaurant will provide a unique experience to our guests reflecting Japan’s diverse and rich cuisine while giving them greater choice.
Fujiya Restaurant is open daily from 12noon to 2am.
For bookings please call 04 702 8846 or Email: fujiya@fujiyadubai.com
Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel, Copthorne, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class.
Currently operating 35 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the Group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline. Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture.
With the motto “More than Meets the Eye”, Millennium & Copthorne is committed to a customer-centric philosophy and complete guest satisfaction.
For more information, please visit www.millenniumhotels.com
SAY HELLO TO YOUR NEW NEIGHBOUR: ZABEEL HOUSE BY JUMEIRAH IS MOVING TO THE GREENS
Moving into The Greens with a bang, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens is the third hotel to open as part of Jumeirah Group’s upscale casual brand launched earlier this year.
Opening in Tower 3 of the Onyx Towers, the hotel is high on design synonymous with other hotels within the Zabeel House by Jumeirah collection; but inspired by New York loft living, with contemporary and yet quirky art and design throughout the hotel, representing the spirit of the Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand perfectly.
The Onyx is a stylish integrated community with three towers of residential, commercial and hospitality buildings, as well as a podium of 32 retail and F&B outlets located in the heart of Dubai.
A hotel to appeal to the intrepid traveler, it is perfect for those looking to stay in a social destination in the heart of new-Dubai, but also able to enjoy the conveniences of a Jumeirah-endorsed hotel, all at a great price.
- 200 rooms and 10 Apartments split across 10 floors, with each room complete with Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand rituals constant across all hotels: SMEG mini bar fridges, Espresso machines, Osme bathroom amenities, SuitePads.
- Bikes, skateboards and rollerblades to explore The Greens neighbourhood yourself (available to rent for free)
- An exploratory map of The Greens, with a knowledgeable team of locals to guide you
- Picnic baskets and menus to enjoy picnics around the surrounding lakes and parks in the neighbourhood
- Two restaurants: LAH LAH a Pan-Asian eatery and Social Company – a ground floor restaurant with a difference
- Native Club, a new multipurpose sports and leisure club concept open for both membership and hotel guests
- Outdoor pool perfect for a swim, or for sun-worshipping on the quirky pop-art and retro inspired furniture and cabanas
- Two outdoor cinema screens ideal for a chilled movie night close to home for UAE residents, or guests looking to stay in one night during their stay
- Doggie friendly areas ideal for The Greens residents and those wanting some pawsome fun, as well as a kids area, Play House.
- A herb garden growing local herbs as well as classic favourites used in both restaurants
- Co-working spaces throughout the hotel, where local businesses are welcome to spend time working every day of the week
- Lockers to allow freelancers to keep their items safe when out and about for meetings – as well as a business centre with four meeting rooms and its own open plan kitchen for you to make yourself at home (quite literally!)
- Art curated by local businesses such as Imad Bechara, with Instagrammable moments at every turn
- Fun, unusual yet sophisticated, the artwork takes inspiration from the Middle East. Unconventionally displayed, there is interactive art, 3D sculptures and locally commissioned pieces, as well as contemporary furniture designed with a Middle Eastern flair in the rooms and public areas
- Eclectic and quirky lighting and accessories, and neutral colour palette of oaks, black metal and white metro tiles accented with playful pops of colour
HP Introduces the World’s First Chromebook Detachable
HP, Inc. today unveiled the world’s first Chromebook detachable1 packing all the productivity benefits of Chrome OS and popularity of Android into a sleek, versatile, powerful, and secure device.
Chromebooks are one of the fastest-growing segments of the PC category, growing more than 50% over the past two years2. HP is focused on delivering and evolving its Chromebook portfolio to meet this growing demand to have access to the Google ecosystem on exciting, flexible form factors.
“The HP Chromebook x2 hits a trifecta for customers, combining the productivity of the Chrome OS and power of the world’s most-used app platform into a versatile form factor ideal for experiencing all the Google ecosystem has to offer,” said Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager, consumer personal systems, HP Inc. “As the world’s first Chromebook detachable, it will unlock new ways for people to create, collaborate and consume within Chrome and the Google Play Store3.”
HP Chromebook x2
The stunningly thin and light HP Chromebook x2 is the world’s first Chromebook detachable1 offering long battery life with great performance and exceptional features for productivity, sharing, and entertainment.
Specific features include:
Powerful and sleek: Users can power through their day and play with their favorite Android apps with up to 10 hours of battery life4 in a tablet only 8.2 mm thin and weighing 1.62 pounds5. With the included keyboard the device is 15.3 mm thin and weighs 3.14 pounds5. This thin, powerful Chromebook detachable features 7th Gen Intel® CoreTM processors6 and up to 8GB LPDDR3 of memory to browse and run Android apps.
Designed for the way you work: Go from productivity to creativity seamlessly with the HP Chromebook x2 with the versatility to use the device in a variety of modes. The magnetic hinge allows for easy detaching of the tablet and provides the strength and rigidity to keep it attached and upright when used as a laptop. The hinge design allows for the tablet to be placed in multiple modes for users to enjoy an amazing touch and pen7 experience for work, school, and entertainment.
Durable and striking elegance: The HP Chromebook x2 is nothing less than premium with a ceramic white anodized aluminum finish and a leather-like surface in Oxford Blue on the detachable full-sized keyboard. The Quad HD8 12.3-inch diagonal Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 touch display for increased durability and scratch resistance when on the go.
Built to entertain: Experience apps from Google Play store3 as a tablet or notebook with a touch screen and active pen7. The Chromebook x2 offers plenty of space to store treasured content with up to 32 GB of built in storage with Micro SD expansion up to 256 GB9 along with 100 GB of free Google Cloud storage for two years10. Dual speakers with audio custom tuned by B&O Play and front 5 MP and rear 13 MP cameras to deliver a rich entertainment experience.
Ample ports: The HP Chromebook x2 offers a broad array of ports to meet connectivity needs including two USB TypeC™ for data transfer, charging and display, a Micro SD port, and Audio jacks.
Pricing and Availability11
HP Chromebook x2 starting pricing is $599.99 and expected to be available via HP.com and Best Buy on June 10.
ABOUT HP
HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at http://www.hp.com.
Service timing during the 47th National Day holidays
Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the timing of various services during the 47th National Day holidays covering customers’ happiness centres, paid parking zones, public buses, Dubai Metro & Tram, marine transit modes, driving institutes, and vehicle & registration centres.
All customers’ happiness centres will close during the 47th National Day holidays (from Friday 30 November to Monday 3 December), and work will resume duty on Tuesday 4 December 2018. All paid parking zones will be free during the holiday (2 and 3 December only), except for multi-level parking terminals, and fees will be reactivated on 4 Dec 2018. The smart centres at Umm Al Ramool and RTA’s Head Office will remain open as usual during the said holidays.
During the holiday, Dubai Metro service hours will be as follows: On Friday 30 Nov, Red Line Metro stations will start operation from 10.00 am to 01:00 am (of the following day). On Saturday and Sunday 1 and 2 December, the service will run from 05:00 am to 01:00 am (of the following day). On Monday 3 Dec, the service will be from 05:00 am to 00:00 (midnight).On Friday 30 Nov, Green Line Metro station will start operation from 10.00 am to 01:00 am (of the following day). On Saturday and Sunday 1 and 2 December, the service will run from 05:30 am to 01:00 am (of the following day). On Monday 3 Dec, the service time will be from 05:30 am to 00:00 (midnight).
On Friday 30 Nov, Dubai Tram will start operation from 09.00 am to 01:00 am (of the following day). From Saturday to Monday, December 1 to 3, the Tram service will run from 06:00 am to 01:00 am (of the following day).
The service timing of public buses (Dubai Bus) during the holiday will be as follows: Main stations, like Gold Souq Station, will open from 04:25 am to 12:29 am (past midnight), and Al Ghubaiba Station from 04:14 am to 12:33 am (past midnight). Subsidiary stations, such as Satwa, will operate from 05:00 am to 11:00 pm except for Route C01, which will be operating around-the-clock. Al Qusais Bus Station will open 05:00 am to 11:45 pm, Al Qouz Industrial Station will operate from 05:00 am to 11:35 pm and Jebel Ali Station will be offering service from 05:00 am to 11:30 pm.
Stations of Metro Feeder Buses, such as Al Rashidiya, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Burj Khalifa, Abu Hail and Etisalat, will open from 05:00 am to 01:10 am (of the following day). The timing of all metro feeder buses is synchronised with the timing of the metro service.
Inter-city bus stations and commercial buses will operate during the holiday as follows: Main stations like Al Ghubaiba will operate around-the-clock to Sharjah (Jubail), and from 04:30 am to 12:01 am (past midnight) to Abu Dhabi. Subsidiary stations, like Union Square, will operate from 04:30 am to 12:30 am (past midnight). Al Sabkha Station will open from 06:15 am to 00:00 (midnight). Deira City Centre Station will open from 06:07 am to 10:06 pm., Karama Station will open from 06:10 am to 10:10 pm and Al Ahli Club Station will open from 05:55 am to 10:15 pm.
External stations, like Sharjah – Al Taawon, will operate from 05:30 am to 10:00 pm, Ajman Route from 05:00 am to 11:30 pm, Fujairah Route will open from 05:30 am to 09:30 pm and Hatta Route from 06:30 am to 10:30 pm.
The schedules of marine transit services during the holiday will be as follows: The Water Bus will shuttle at marina stations (Marina Mall, Marina Walk, Marina Terrace, Marina Promenade) from 12:00 at noon up to 00:00 (midnight). The Water Taxi will be operating from 09:00 am up to 10:00 pm.
The Dubai Ferry during the holiday will be calling five times at Ghubaiba and Dubai Marina Stations at 11:00 am, 01:00 pm, 03:00 pm, 05:00 pm and 06:30 pm. It will be running two services from Al Jaddaf Station to Dubai Water Canal Station at 12:00 pm and 05:35 pm, and two services from Dubai Water Canal Station to Al Jaddaf at 02:05 pm and 07:35 pm. Round trips will be running from Sheikh Zayed Road Station from 06:00 pm to 00:00 (midnight).
During the holidays, the Traditional Abra will operate at the Dubai Creek Stations (Al Ghubaiba, Baniyas, Dubai Old Souq, Al Seef), from 10:00 am until 00:00 (midnight). At the Sheikh Zayed Road Station, the Abra service will be running from 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
The Electric Abra will be operating at Burj Khalifa from 06:00 pm to 11:00 pm, at Al Mamzar from 02:00 pm to 00:00 midnight (on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and holidays). From Palace Hotel Station to Dubai Mall Station from 12:00 midday to 11:30 pm. At Burj Plaza Station (swapping) from 12:00 midday to 11:30 pm, and at the Global Village Station from 04:00 pm to 00:00 midnight.
Air-conditioned abras (Al Jaddaf, Dubai Festival city) will operate during the holiday as follow: From 07:00 am to 00:00 (midnight), and from 09:00 am to 01:00 (of the following day) on Friday only.
All service provider centres as well vehicle registration centres will be closed on the 47th National Day holidays (from Friday 30 Nov to Monday 3 December) and will resume business on Tuesday 4 Dec 2018.
Etihad Airways launches inaugural flight to Barcelona
The UAE national airline is celebrating the occasion in style by hosting a special event held at the historic Capella dels Angels, a sixteenth-century Gothic building which is now part of the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), attended by leading figures from the local government, diplomats, media, corporate partners and travel trade.
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We have been tremendously excited about the launch of this service and what better time to arrive here than the month Etihad celebrates its 15thanniversary. “Commercial and cultural links between the UAE and the Catalonia region are flourishing and Etihad is honoured to play a pivotal role in facilitating and enhancing the growth of trade and the strong demand for tourism. This is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the world, with something to offer the most discerning of travellers, and now for the first time, Abu Dhabi, our amazing home, is accessible from Barcelona with regular non-stop flights, featuring Etihad’s acclaimed inflight hospitality. “On behalf of the Etihad Aviation Group, I extend our sincere thanks to the Barcelona Air Route Development Committee for their invaluable support with the new service, the launch event, and for their genuine welcome.” The number of visitors from the UAE to Spain has been rising rapidly, thanks in part to a successful Schengen visa waiver programme introduced for UAE nationals in 2015.The new route will initially be operated five times a week by a two-class Airbus A330-200 before becoming a daily operation from 31 March 2019.
Barcelona is the second city in Spain served by Etihad Airways, complementing the airline’s existing daily service to Madrid. The new link will provide business and leisure travellers with convenient timings to travel between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona, also providing seamless onward connections through Abu Dhabi to major cities in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Australia.
Etihad Airways operates an extensive codeshare partnership with Air Europa (UX) allowing guests a seamless transfer with the Spanish airline’s services between Barcelona and Madrid. Etihad also codeshares with Air Europa beyond Madrid to 19 cities in Europe, South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.Flight schedule: Abu Dhabi – Barcelona, effective 28 November 2018:
| Flt No. | Origin | Departs | Dest | Arriv | Freq | Aircraft |
| EY49 | Abu Dhabi | 02:20 | BNC | 07:15 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Airbus A330-200 |
| EY50 | BCN | 10:10 | Abu Dhabi | 20:00 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Airbus A330-200 |
Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.
Select flydubai flights to operate from Terminal 3, Dubai International
Dubai-based carrier flydubai has announced today that flights to 11 of its destinations will move from its current operating base of Terminal 2 and relocate to Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB). Other services will continue to operate from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC).
About flydubai
From its home in Dubai, flydubai has created a network of more than 90 destinations and over the next decade the airline will see its fleet grow by up to 296 aircraft. Since commencing operations in June 2009, flydubai has been committed to removing barriers to travel, creating free flows of trade and tourism and enhancing connectivity between different cultures across its ever-expanding network.
flydubai has marked its journey with a number of milestones that represent the scale of the ambition planned for the airline:
- An expanding network: Created a network of more than 85 destinations in 45 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent.
- Serving underserved markets: Opened up more than 71 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.
- An efficient single fleet-type: Operates a single fleet-type of 58 aircraft including Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
- Record-breaking orders: Placed the largest single-aisle aircraft orders in the region at the 2013 and 2017 editions of the Dubai Airshow.
- Enhancing connectivity: Carried more than 60 million passengers since it began operations in 2009.